
Friday Night Smackdown! Preview
Spokane, Washington, 3rd June, 2011
'A Dish Best Served Cold'
Following an exciting, unpredictable and truly incredible Over the Limit event, the whole WWE Universe is on a high. Just a few days from the insanity of Monday Night RAW, the superstars of Smackdown will be looking to set their mark on the Road to Capitol Punishment which is just three weeks away. Amidst controversial circumstances, Alberto Del Rio managed to escape Seattle with the World Heavyweight Championship in tow with his personal ring announcer providing the assist. After spending several weeks prodding and poking Randy Orton in an attempt to push him over the edge, Del Rio may have done just that at Over the Limit. A furious Viper battered the Mexican Aristocrat from post to post on Sunday night, but he was unable to topple his rival from the top of the Smackdown kingdom. Surely Orton wont give up on his dream to be the very best, but will it come at the cost of his sacred promise to his young family?
Edge and Christians contest on Sunday night was marred with controversy as the Rated R Superstar attacked his adversary before the match could even begin. With the help of the Hart Dynasty, Edge softened Captain Charisma up before finishing him off with a spear just a few moments after the bell had been rung. Speaking to reporters here at WWE.com, Christian admitted that his pride had gotten the best of him on Sunday night but following his defeat, he said that he is even hungrier to become the World Heavyweight Champion. Christian also stated that alongside capturing the world championship, teaching Edge a lesson is very high up on his list. While Edge is confirmed to give his thoughts on his future title match, his long time rival and former best will go one on one with Smackdowns newest superstar R-Truth. Following Over the Limit, Smackdown General Manager Teddy Long signed Truth to the blue brand and the rapping star will get to make an immediate impact as he wrestles Christian on his first night.
At Over the Limit, Rey Mysterio was able to capture the Intercontinental Championship and begin his third reign with the prestigious title. The Master of the 619 toppled both Curt Hawkins and Cody Rhodes, pinning the former to earn the victory and the gold. Although Cody Rhodes brutally beat down his most hated of rivals for a large chunk of the contest, he wasnt able to conquer the luchador via pinfall or submission. Just like Wrestlemania, Mysterio outplayed his grotesque adversary and hurled him from the ring, allowing Rey to finish off a downed Curt Hawkins. While Rhodes bruised and battered his rival, it was the legendary former world champion that once again had the last laugh by capturing the Intercontinental Championship. But with a no touch clause still in effect between the two and Rey openly stating he is done with the American Nightmare, how will Rhodes gain his revenge?
Another huge piece of news coming out of Sundays pay-per-view was the return of the very first Undisputed Champion to Smackdown, Chris Jericho. After entering the tag team turmoil in the final spot alongside Curt Hawkins, Jericho and his new partner avoided the majority of the competition and eventually put away the Usos to emerge as champions. The new WWE Tag Team Champions will address the WWE Universe this week on Smackdown, and a growing, competitive tag team division will surely be listening very closely from the shadows. Plus, the former champions Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel again clashed but this time it was at the worst time possible, resulting in them losing their grip on the tag team gold. After watching his partner receive positive reactions from the WWE Universe, Slaters tagged himself into the contest and his spiteful actions led to the duos downfall. Is this it for the arrogant One Man Rock Band and the ambitious South African Sensation as a tag team pair?
Plus, Jack Swagger will still have plenty to complain about as he tapped out to a very impressive Daniel Bryan on Sunday night, albeit with a little help from Teddy Long. Could this be the win that will propel the American Dragon to the top? And will Swaggers loss just give him more ammunition to continue his crusade against his brand? Also, Sheamus continues to tell anybody who will listen that he is the sole reason the Undertaker left the WWE for good. Can he back up his claim of greatness with another dominant victory? All this plus more, only on Smackdown!
Confirmed for Smackdown!
An Announcement from Edge
New WWE Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho and Curt Hawkins to Speak
Christian vs. R-Truth